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Applications open 1 June 2025 and will close Monday 1 September 2025. 

Toyota Star Maker, Australia’s longest running country music competition, is a yearly search for an individual, aged over 18 years, who has the greatest potential to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the prize package.

A judging panel of country music industry experts will choose the top 10 finalists.

These 10 finalists will find their way to Tamworth and perform at the Toyota Star Maker Final on the first Sunday of the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival in front of thousands of country music fans where one performer will be named the new Star Maker winner.

The Toyota Star Maker prize package, valued at over $100,000, includes: 

• Use of the title 2026 Toyota Star Maker and 46th Toyota Star Maker;
• 12 month’s use of a brand new, fully-serviced Toyota motor vehicle;
• A fuel card for the length of reign;
• Return air flight for one, including 10-nights’ accommodation to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June 2026 courtesy of Chris Watson Travel;
  *all other costs are the responsibility of the winner;
• Two tickets to four nightly concerts at the 2026 CMA Fest Nashville from the Country Music Association of Nashville;
• Performance opportunity on the CMA Spotlight Stage at CMA Fest Nashville;
• Performance opportunity on selected Sounds Australia events during CMA Fest Nashville;
• WIN television media package valued at $5000;
• A Handmade Maton;
• A Fender Electric Guitar;
• A pair of Corral Boots hand made in Mexico valued at $500;
• CMT music video placement;
• Hair and make-up styling including cut and colour for the year, by Plush Hair Designs & Make-up of Tamworth;
• Recording session, distribution and promotion of a four-track EP;
• Production of two professional video clips by an award-winning director;
• 12 months media promotion in Australia’s only country music magazine Country Music Capital News and the Official Guide valued at $10000;
• 12 months representation by Wheelhouse Agency;
• 12 months membership to the Country Music Association of Australia;
• Gift from Lindsay Waddington Music;
• Full colour promotional material from Star Maker;
• Benefit from the organiser’s 40 years of industry knowledge through personal, one-on-one introductions to relevant contacts;
• Guidance and support;
• Media promotion;
• A minimum of three performances for Toyota as part of sponsorship
• Guaranteed paid performances at a designated list of festivals and events including Gympie Music Muster, Deni Muster, Groundwater, Sunset Bash, Savannah In The Round.
• Queensland Music Trails performance;